Michael A. Tipton, 67, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 24, 2011 surrounded by his loving family at his side following a long illness.
He was born on November 11, 1943 in Seattle, Washington, the son of the late Marvin Tipton and Joan (Sarver) Tipton.
Michael was a member of the Adamsville Community Baptist Church and the Gideons International. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 83 of Whitehall.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann (Hayes) Tipton in May of 1963. In December of 1980 she passed away. After a few years of very difficult times with the loss of his wife, he was fortunate to meet and eventually marry Donna (Bredehoft) Tipton on September 3, 1988. They have had 23 very enjoyable years together until his death.
Michael attended Cambridge College, in Cambridge, MA, obtaining his Masters of Education Degree in Psychology Counseling. He was employed with Vermont Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs as Substance Abuse Program Coordinator/Oversight Transitional Housing and Recovery Services.
Michael achieved the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts in Kansas City, MO and continued actively with Explorer scouting. After graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator. His military awards were Marksman Badge Rifle M-1, Expert Badge M-14, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He enjoyed reading and learning throughout his entire life. He dabbled in many interests, including photography, drawing, woodcarving, fishing, hunting and shooting with bow or black powder, boat-building, and playing musical instruments. But most of all, he enjoyed sharing time with his children and attending bluegrass festivals with his wife. He will be remembered for his wit and humor, his strong faith, his achievement of sobriety nearly 30 years ago after a long struggle, and his commitment to quality care in the substance abuse field.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Tipton of Whitehall; his children, Veronica M. Tipton and Timothy W. Tipton of Whitehall, Patricia A. Tipton and her life partner, David Scutzarella of Hudson, FL, and Sean A. Tipton; one grandson, David M. Tipton and his girlfriend, Taylor M. McCarthy, and one great-granddaughter, Daniella McCarthy, all of Quincy, MA.
He is also survived by one brother, Thomas Tipton, of Springfield, MO, two sisters, Marilee Sarver of Houston, TX and Faye Eck of Springfield, MO, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Durkeetown Baptist Church, 2 Durkeetown Road, Fort Edward, NY. Pastor Kenneth MacLeod, pastor of Adamsville Community Baptist Church, will be officiating.
Friends may call on the family on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Durkeetown Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m. until the time of the services.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, in Schuylerville, N.Y. with full military honors.
The family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations to either the Washington County Hospice & Palliative Care Program, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, N.Y. 12839-2661 or to the Vermont Vet-to-Vet, P.O. Box 471, Northfield, VT 05663.
The family wishes to express gratitude to employees at Rutland Regional Medical Center and Foley Cancer Center for their care and treatment over the past two years, and to Washington County Hospice professionals for their support and compassion over the past month. Also Donna wishes to thank the Whitehall Central School District and the Elementary School faculty and staff for all of the support demonstrated during the past several weeks.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Michael G. Angiolillo Funeral Home, 210 Broadway, Whitehall.